These Bodegas Muriel wines are brought into Australia by Fourth Wave Wine. Nicholas Crampton and co. seem to have a happy knack for finding bargains at many different price points. From the same area as the 2004 Gran Reserva reviewed previously. As it’s “only” Reserva, laws dictate that it needs just one year in oak as opposed to the two-year minimum for the higher designation. Having said that, this still rests for two years in barrel; all French oak this time.
Juicier with black berry/cherry and red fruited highlights. The vanilla and spice are there but dialled back a notch. Softer acid, less rigid tannin. A touch of earth, some aniseedy dried herbs and tobacco. It doesn’t have the length of its higher priced sibling but it’s not exactly lacking in that department either. Showing hints of bottle aged development but still rather youthful. Can easily be enjoyed now but I’d like to see it with a few more years under its belt. 92+
Region: Rioja, Spain
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Price: $38